Cites ADL’s Refusal to Speak Honestly About Armenian Genocide 
ANCEM Press Release
December 13, 2007
Watertown, MA -- Citing the ADL leadership’s ongoing opposition to unequivocally recognizing the Armenian Genocide, the Watertown Town Council voted 8-1 this week to call on the Massachusetts Municipal Association (MMA) to rescind its endorsement of the ADL’s No Place for Hate (NPFH) program, reported the Armenian National Committee of Eastern Massachusetts.
The resolution, introduced by Councilman Mark Sideris, noted that the national ADL held a meeting on November 2, 2007, and “officially voted to take no further action on recognizing the Armenian Genocide.” It went on to state that the MMA had previously voted to “reevaluate its official sponsorship of the No Place for Hate program after the national ADL determined whether to recognize unequivocally the Armenian genocide and support the Congressional resolution.”
“We applaud the Watertown Town Council for taking the lead, once again, in condemning genocide denial,” stated Sharistan Melkonian of the Armenian National Committee. “It was on the recommendation of the Massachusetts Municipal Association that so many cities and towns embraced the No Place for Hate program. Now, in the face of the ADL’s failure to live up to its own mission statement -- ‘to secure justice and fair treatment to all citizens alike’ – the MMA must take action and cut ties with this tainted program.”
During the December 11th meeting, the Town Council also considered a separate but similar 
measure submitted by Councilwoman Marilyn Petitto Devaney, who had introduced the original August 14 proclamation cutting ties with the NPFH program. That decision, the first of its kind in Massachusetts, set off a series of town meetings across the commonwealth resulting in successive communities severing ties with the controversial program, citing the ADL leadership’s refusal to unequivocally recognize of the Armenian Genocide and efforts to block Congressional Armenian Genocide legislation (H.Res.106 / S.Res.106).
Earlier this September, the MMA sent a letter to the ADL expressing concern about its now infamous August 21st statement, citing that the events of 1915 –1918 were only “tantamount to genocide” and opposing Armenian Genocide legislation. Following the ADL’s November 2nd meeting, where its National Commissioners voted to “take no further action on the Armenian Genocide”, the ANC and Armenian Assembly submitted a joint request calling on the MMA to rescind its endorsement of the ADL’s No Place for Hate program.
For complete information about the ADL genocide denial controversy visit http://www.noplacefordenial.com/
The Armenian National Committee is the largest and most influential Armenian American grassroots political organization. Working in coordination with a network of offices, chapters, and supporters throughout the United States and affiliated organizations around the world, the ANC actively advances the concerns of the Armenian American community on a broad range of issues
Armenian National Committee of Eastern Massachusetts
47 Nichols Avenue
Watertown MA 02472
ancem@Hotmail.com
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TEXT OF DECEMBER 11 WATERTOWN TOWN COUNCIL RESOLUTION
WHEREAS: The Massachusetts Municipal Association (MMA) sponsored the No Place for Hate program that was established by the Anti-Defamation League (ADL); and,
WHEREAS: The Town of Watertown benefited and appreciated the good work that was done by the local group that was established; and,
WHEREAS: The national ADL held a meeting on November 2, 2007 and officially voted to take no further action on recognizing the Armenian genocide; and,
WHEREAS: The Town of Watertown and other cities and towns have withdrawn their support for the No Place for Hate program; and,
WHEREAS: The MMA Board had previously voted to reevaluate its official sponsorship of the No Place for Hate program after the national ADL determined whether to recognize unequivocally the Armenian genocide and support the congressional resolution;
NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED: That the Town Council of the City known as the Town of Watertown urges the MMA immediately withdraw is sponsorship of the No Place for Hate program and notify all cities and towns of its withdrawal; and,
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED: That the Town Council and the members of the former No Place for Hate committee are committed to continuing the work that was started and will help the MMA in any way to make sure the goals of the program remain in place.
Watertown Calls on Massachusetts Municipal Association to Rescind Endorsement of ADL Program
